Sebelius wants repeal of used car tax law

Topeka  Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today said she looked forward to repealing an unpopular law that increased what many Kansans paid in taxes when buying a used car.

"This law was a mistake," Sebelius said.

The law, which went into effect last year, required that the sales tax on used cars be applied to the vehicle's "blue book" value even if the vehicle was damaged or reduced in price for other reasons. Previously the sales tax calculation was based on the vehicle's sales price.

The Kansas Senate on Thursday unanimously approved repeal of the law, sending the measure to the House for consideration.

The measure also includes $5 million in refunds for taxpayers who feel they were cheated.

During a news conference, Sebelius also announced the state would receive $5.4 million in additional federal funds for the Health Wave program, which provides health coverage for children from low-income families.